GONZALES COUNTY – Three women were reported shot in an early Sunday morning incident. Gonzales County deputies responded to home in a rural part of the county after a 911 call.
Emergency responders found three victims with gunshot wounds. One, 55-year-old Janice K. Trent was pronounced dead at the scene. The two other victims, Allyson Trent, 32, and her juvenile daughter, whose identity was not released, were taken to an Austin hospital. Sheriff’s officials say both are stable and doing well.
During the investigation, Jarett W. Eldridge was identified as a suspect in the murder. According to the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, Eldridge’s car was later found abandoned in rural Guadalupe County.
Law enforcement officials launched an extensive manhunt for the 29-year-old using officers on horseback, tracking dogs, and a DPS helicopter.
Authorities say Eldridge was arrested in Guadalupe County, west of Luling, without incident late Sunday around 9:30 p.m. He was reportedly holed up in a vacant building at a rock quarry about two miles from where the car was found.
On Monday, Eldridge was being held in the Guadalupe County Jail pending his return to Gonzales County for the murder charge.
Deputies have not given a motive for the shootings.
